muted color

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "muted color" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing something that is not very bright or vibrant. For example, "The muted colors of the sunset made for a peaceful evening."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

If your outfit is very colorful, wear muted color shoes.

WikiHow

Large and attractive with muted color scheme and walls of concrete or rough-hewn pine clapboard.

The New York Times

Especially a painter enamored of muted color, desiccated texture and minute detail.

The New York Times

Stark black and white for older pictures, seguing into muted color for modern.

The Guardian - Opinion

They aren't very good, apart from displaying a strikingly talented way with filmy texture and muted color.

The New Yorker

The picture's muted color harmonies are worthy of Whistler, and the boldly and tenderly worked paint surface evokes Manet.

The New Yorker

Dudamel hovered in the background, presenting a muted color field on which Shaham could make his pastel strokes.

The New Yorker

The pattern was delicate, a floral and berry motif with a muted color palette that lent it some understated elegance.

The New York Times

It will contain 294 rooms, several within turrets, and all with muted color schemes and spacious marble bathrooms.

The New York Times

She favors a different color scheme -- "something more in a muted color range, light gray, sage green".

The New York Times

Ms. Barth's medium large, semi-abstract pictures are an odd combination of muted Color Field painting and geological diagramming.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene or design, use "muted color" to evoke a sense of calmness and sophistication. It's especially effective in interiors and landscapes where you want to avoid overly vibrant or distracting hues.

Common error

Avoid using "muted color" as a catch-all phrase. Instead, specify the actual color with a muted modifier, such as "muted green" or "muted blue", to provide a clearer and more vivid description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "muted color" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying a noun. It describes the attribute of the color, indicating a reduced intensity or vibrancy. Ludwig shows examples in various contexts such as fashion, art, and interior design.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Wiki

21%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

6%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "muted color" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adjective phrase. According to Ludwig, its primary function is descriptive, conveying a sense of calmness and sophistication. It commonly appears in News & Media and Wiki sources, suggesting a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal contexts. While generally safe to use, it's advisable to specify the color for clarity. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and provides numerous examples of its use across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Subdued color

Emphasizes a reduction in intensity or vibrancy.

Soft color

Highlights the gentle and non-aggressive nature of the color.

Restrained color

Indicates a deliberate control or limitation in color usage.

Understated color

Suggests a subtle and elegant use of color that doesn't draw excessive attention.

Toned-down color

Focuses on the process of reducing the intensity of the color.

Gentle color

Implies a mild and soothing quality of the color.

Pale hue

Describes a light and delicate shade of color.

Desaturated color

Refers to the technical aspect of reducing color saturation.

Low-key color

Indicates a casual and unobtrusive color choice.

Neutral shade

Highlights the color's lack of strong chromatic characteristics.

FAQs

How can I use "muted color" in a sentence?

You might say, "The living room was decorated in "muted color" to create a relaxing atmosphere" or "The artist used a "muted color" palette to convey a sense of nostalgia".

What are some alternatives to "muted color"?

Consider using alternatives like "subdued color", "soft color", or "understated color" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "muted color" or specify the color?

It's generally better to specify the color (e.g. "muted green" or "muted gray") for clarity. "Muted color" is useful when you're referring to the overall effect of a color scheme rather than a single color.

How does "muted color" affect the mood of a space?

Muted color typically creates a calm and relaxing atmosphere, as it avoids the intensity and energy associated with brighter, more vibrant colors.